Painting Cats in Ten Steps---Chinese Painting: Mastering the Art Quickly

Author: Shi Boyun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Key points to note when painting cats:
1. Choose the right brush. Brushes are divided into three types: wolf-hair, goat-hair, and mixed-hair. Wolf-hair is firm and ideal for painting fur. Goat-hair is soft and has high water content, suitable for shading. Mixed-hair falls between the two, and with prolonged practice, one will become skilled in handling it.
2. Choose the right paper. For brushwork cats, Xuan paper (familiar) is the best, while single Xuan paper (raw) is suitable for freehand painting. Ancient-style paper (both familiar and raw) is ideal for painting white cats. Additionally, Xuan paper, which lies between familiar and raw, can also be used.
3. Choose the right colors. Colors are divided into plant-based and mineral-based. Emerald green, azure blue, and cinnabar are mineral-based and can be used from market-packed tin tubes. However, it is better to use block-based flower blue, preferably dissolved in water.
4. Choose the right inkstone. Ink is divided into smoke-fueled and pine-fueled types; we generally use smoke-fueled ink. Inkstones should be fine and clean, such as Duan inkstone or She inkstone. Currently, ink for calligraphy and painting from brands like Cao Suguang or Yidege can also be used.
Additionally, readers must understand some basic cat anatomy and skeletal structure to master various cat poses.